Black Lady Slipper (Paphiopedilum) Post-Bloom Care and Reblooming

Spike Management

Lady slippers bloom once per spike. When flowers drop, cut the spike low, near the leaves. It will brown and die back naturally if left.

Growth Cycle and Rest Period

• Active growth: Spring through fall—new leaves/roots forming.
• Rest period: Late fall—growth slows but never stop watering.
• Bloom initiation: Cool nights ~50°F (10°C) for a month in late fall/winter triggers spike formation.
• Next bloom: Winter/spring on new growth.

Care During Growth

• Keep medium evenly moist, not soggy—water when top starts to dry.
• Bright shade + a few hours morning sun.
• Weak balanced fertilizer occasionally during active growth.
• Repot annually in fresh mix (often fine bark + moss) when new growth starts.

Key Difference from Phalaenopsis

No true dormancy. Consistent moisture year-round. Cool nights are the bloom trigger, not drought.